The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days remaining. As the countdown to the much-anticipated opening game continues, attention is shifting towards the contract statuses of key players CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. With both players entering the final year of their current agreements, contract negotiations are becoming a significant storyline for the Cowboys.
CeeDee Lamb’s Contract Situation
CeeDee Lamb, who is currently 25 years old, is in the last year of his rookie contract. Lamb had an exceptional season last year, leading the league with 135 catches, which has placed him at the forefront of contract discussions. Dallas has extended an offer to Lamb, reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season," a figure that positions him comparably to other elite wide receivers in the league. For context, Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver A.J. Brown’s average annual salary stands at $32 million.
Lamb's absence from the entire offseason program has added a layer of urgency to the negotiations. The extended absence has prompted discussions within the team and among fans about whether an agreement can be reached before the season kicks off.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones commented on the ongoing negotiations, expressing optimism about reaching a deal. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. His confidence suggests that both sides are willing to find common ground, although the details are still being hammered out.
Jones further elaborated on the negotiations, emphasizing the team's desire to retain Lamb. "The facts are that I believe we'll come together. I don't want to speak for him. That's what I'm trying not to do. But we wouldn't have offered him what we've offered him if we didn't want him to be here," he said. These remarks underscore the importance of Lamb to the Cowboys' future and the commitment from the organization to keep him in Dallas.
Dak Prescott’s Final Season
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' Second Team All-Pro quarterback, is also in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract. Unlike Lamb, Prescott's contract includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, adding complexity to his contract situation. Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, could become an unrestricted free agent next year if an agreement isn't reached soon.
Despite the looming deadline, Jones remains focused on the season while keeping contract talks active in the background. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones said, highlighting the ongoing discussions between the player and the organization.
Jones also addressed the challenges of negotiating contracts during the season, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the team's performance. "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good. One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of ten, these are existing contracts that you have in place. You should be able to operate under those, but we've gotten it now in the NFL -- other teams are dealing with it -- with some time on the contract, you still might have a contract discussion. And that's what we're doing. None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best," he explained.
As the Cowboys prepare for their opening game, the front office and fans alike will be watching closely to see if agreements can be reached with both Lamb and Prescott. With the season fast approaching, the outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly impact the team's dynamic and performance in the upcoming NFL season.